Taraba 2027: Forum Dissociates Self From Planned Coalition Against Gov Kefas
By Our Correspondent
A Tiv Forum, comprising Tiv political appointees, community leaders and grassroots stakeholders in Taraba state has dissociated itself from the proposed Kuteb/Tiv Political Coalition against Governor Agbu Kefas ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The Chairman of the Forum, Chief Philip Iyolpenda Ananum, disclosed the position of the group during a press conference in Jalingo.
The group described as misleading, the thought that the Kuteb/Tiv coalition idea carries the collective mandate or endorsement of the entire Tiv people of Taraba State, stating that the so-called coalition does not reflect the diversity and independence of thought within Tiv communities of the state.
They pledged their unreserved support for the 2027 bid of the Governor, promising that the Tiv people will stand solidly behind him in 2027 and beyond, considering his fairness, goodwill, and performance.
“While we reaffirm our unflinching support for Governor Agbu Kefas’ administration based on his fairness, goodwill, and performance, we wish to place on record that the Tiv people will stand solidly behind him in 2027 and beyond.
“We wish to hereby dissociate ourselves from the proposed so-called Kuteb/Tiv Political Coalition. We wish to state here that the Tiv are a politically conscious and numerically significant group in Taraba, and it is unrealistic to suggest that such a people can be confined to a singular political movement or coalition, especially one that appears to be evolving without broad consultation among key stakeholders.
“We wish to also state that the Kuteb/Tiv Political Coalition, does not carry the collective mandate or endorsement of the entire Tiv people of Taraba, and did not reflect the diversity and independence of thought within Tiv communities.
“Our position on this matter is not to cast aspersions or generate controversy but to provide clarity in the public space regarding the narratives surrounding social media space. It’s misleading.
“As leaders committed to peace, development, and harmonious coexistence among all ethnic nationalities in Taraba State, we remain focused on productive engagement, peace-building, and meaningful development under the leadership of Governor Agbu Kefas.
“While some may choose to align with coalitions of their preference, as we acknowledge that all citizens regardless of ethnicity or affiliation, have the constitutional right to freedom of association and expression, it would be erroneous to assume or propagate that such alignments speak for the majority or the entire Tiv people of Taraba State and command electoral dominance.
“As stakeholders with responsibilities in our communities, we understand the delicacy of Taraba’s ethnic landscape and the need for cautious, inclusive politics. We therefore caution against narratives that could inflame passions or distort facts.
“The Kuteb/Tiv coalition as currently constituted, is more of a social media construct than a grounded organic political force. This coalition as we know is being promoted by a few individual residents elsewhere with little or no political value on ground. While we respect the right of any individual or group to pursue their political affiliations, it is dishonest and divisive to project such efforts as representing the generality of the Tiv people.
“In view of the achievements recorded so far, and following extensive consultations with our communities, we, the Tiv political appointees, community leaders, and grassroots stakeholders in Taraba State, hereby pass a vote of confidence in His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas.
“We wish to commend Governor Agbu Kefas’ transformational drive. We commend the governor for his open-door policy and sincere engagement with Tiv traditional and community leaders.
His recent consultations with His Royal Majesty, Professor James Ortese Ayatse, Tor Tiv (V), and other stakeholders regarding the plight of the displaced Tiv communities in Southern Taraba, are both historic and heartening. We call for the continuity of this dialogue to ensure the timely return of our displaced people”.
The group appealed to all Tiv sons and daughters across Taraba State to remain calm, united, and committed to the greater good.
“Let us not be distracted by uncoordinated political maneuvers. Rather, let us support an administration that is visibly delivering and prioritising the well-being of all ethnic nationalities in the state”.
According to the group, beyond appointments, Governor Kefas has demonstrated uncommon political will and leadership that has brought measurable development across key sectors in the state, citing significant improvements in security, especially in previously volatile flashpoints, which have restored peace, allowed displaced persons to gradually return, and enabled farming, education, and commerce to resume.
Others are the rollout of free and compulsory education, which has significantly increased enrollment and removed financial barriers for thousands of children, Improved welfare for civil servants, marked by regular payment of salaries and institutional reforms that promote productivity, transparency, and accountability, bold strides in agricultural mechanisation, distribution of farm inputs, and revival of extension services to boost food security and rural livelihoods, and revitalisation of public healthcare facilities, including the recruitment of medical personnel and expansion of access to essential services across the state among other achievements.
